23 January 2004
by Noah Kravitz
Columnist

Case Closed iPod Case -- $19.99, Caseclosedbags.com

Compare prices at PCPrices.

Is your mouth watering over those new colored iPod Minis, but your wallet reminding you that you already have an "old" iPod you're still paying for on that Visa? Case Closed Bags might just have the answer for you. Case Closed, makers of uniquely styled bags and cases for laptops and accessories, now offers a line of iPod cases in crazy colors and wacky styles that just might satisfy your urge to think a little "extra different."

Case Closed sent us their "Sheldon" case for the 3G iPod (they also offer a line for older models) in the "Checkerboard" design. It's eye-catching, to say the least, with its bold black-and-white checked all-over pattern. The Sheldon is made from a rigid plastic with elasticized sides and a clear vinyl screen protector. Cutouts allow access to the front scroll wheel and buttons, and the elasticized closures can be pried open so you can get to the top and bottom ports. The Sheldon also features a detachable swivel rear belt clip.

For twenty bucks, this is a pretty decent iPod case. It's not as sturdy as the Contour Showcase or heavier softside cases from Booq and Waterfield, but it does offer more protection than something like the Macclear Zip Case. The real selling point of the Sheldon (and Case Closed's all-vinyl line, the "Clarence") is the choice of finishes. With names like Pink Polish, Miami Geo, Metallic Blue, and Silver Bullet in addition to Checkerboard, Case Closed's offerings obviously aren't for the attention shy.

Case Closed's iPod cases will likely appeal to teenagers and other young at heart iPod users who want to walk on the wild side while listening to their Blink 182 and Julio - I mean, Enrique -- Iglesias. While they may not be for everyone, the Sheldon and Clarence are worthy choices for iPod owners looking for an inexpensive but functional fashion statement.

The Clarence and Sheldon lines of iPod cases are available direct from CaseClosedBags.com for $19.99 and $19.95 each, respectively.